Illini move up in national poll

John Supinie

Monday

Sep 26, 2011 at 12:01 AMSep 26, 2011 at 6:10 AM

CHAMPAIGN -- For the first time in school history, Illinois is ranked No. 1 in the national volleyball coaches poll. One of three undefeated teams nationally, Illinois (13-0 overall, 2-0 in the Big Ten) moved up two spots after victories over then-No. 9 Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Illinois received 55 of possible 60 first-place votes. The Big Ten has seven teams in the top 25. A ticket stub from the Illinois-Northwestern football game gets free admission to Illinois vs. No. 12 Purdue in a key Big Ten volleyball match Saturday (7 p.m.) at Huff Hall. The Illini also host Indiana Friday.

The Illini hadn't been ranked higher than the No. 2 spot in the preseason poll in 1988.

"We appreciate the recognition,'' said Illinois coach Kevin Hambly. "However, our focus is on being there at the end of the season. The Big Ten is loaded with great teams, and we want to continue the process of getting better each week.''

CHAMPAIGN -- For the first time in school history, Illinois is ranked No. 1 in the national volleyball coaches poll. One of three undefeated teams nationally, Illinois (13-0 overall, 2-0 in the Big Ten) moved up two spots after victories over then-No. 9 Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Illinois received 55 of possible 60 first-place votes. The Big Ten has seven teams in the top 25. A ticket stub from the Illinois-Northwestern football game gets free admission to Illinois vs. No. 12 Purdue in a key Big Ten volleyball match Saturday (7 p.m.) at Huff Hall. The Illini also host Indiana Friday.

The Illini hadn't been ranked higher than the No. 2 spot in the preseason poll in 1988.

"We appreciate the recognition,'' said Illinois coach Kevin Hambly. "However, our focus is on being there at the end of the season. The Big Ten is loaded with great teams, and we want to continue the process of getting better each week.''

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